Aberdeen, S.D. – A 14-point first half lead propelled the Northern State University men's basketball team to their fourth straight NSIC victory. The Wolves defeated the Beavers of Minot State 85-72 from Wachs Arena. With the win, NSU improves to 8-2 overall and 4-0 in the league.
 
The Beavers out-scored the Wolves in the second half, however were unable to overcome the first half deficit. Northern knocked down nine from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes, shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 56.3 percent from the foul line.  
 
Northern tallied a game high 34 points off the bench, as well as 26 points in the paint, 11 points off eight turnovers, and ten second chance points off ten offensive boards. They combined for 16 assists, and added 32 rebounds, 11 made 3-pointers, two blocks, and one steal. The Wolves shot 45.2 percent from the floor, 44.0 percent from the 3-point line, and 85.7 percent from the foul line in the game.
 
Bo Fries and Ian Smith led four Wolves in double figures with 14 points apiece. Smith tallied a team high seven rebounds and seven assists as well, while Fries was second on the team with five rebounds. The pair were followed by Andrew Kallman and Jordan Belka with 13 points, each going a perfect 3-for-3 from the 3-point line. Belka's 13 was a career high for the freshman, as he also went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.
 
Cole Dahl dropped eight points, two rebounds, one assist, and one block off the bench, followed by Mason Stark with seven points and three rebounds. Justin Decker and Gabe King rounded out the starting five four NSU with six and four points respectively. King recorded four rebounds and one assist, while Decker notched two assists and one rebound. Parker Fox grabbed the final six points and five rebounds for NSU in the win.
 
Northern returns to Don Meyer Court tomorrow evening for a 6 p.m. tip versus the Marauders of the University of Mary.